Stoke City 1-0 Wrexham: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral's post-match review of Stoke City 1-0 Wrexham in the Championship on Saturday, 18 October 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Stoke City clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over Wrexham at home, a result that might not have been surprising given their recent form. The Potters had been on a run of three consecutive draws before this match, showing resilience but lacking the cutting edge to secure wins. Today, they managed to break that pattern, with the solitary goal coming in the 36th minute, which proved decisive. This win extends Stoke's unbeaten run to four games, suggesting they are finding their stride in the Championship.

For Wrexham, this loss marks a halt to their run of three consecutive draws. The visitors struggled to find a way past Stoke's defence, and despite their efforts, they couldn't convert their possession into goals. This defeat will be a setback for Wrexham, who have now gone four games without a win. The result underscores the challenges they face in climbing the Championship table, as they continue to search for consistency.

The statistics from the match largely align with the result, with Stoke City enjoying 56% of the ball possession compared to Wrexham's 44%. The Potters also had more corners, with six to Wrexham's four, indicating a slightly more dominant performance in the attacking third. However, Wrexham's higher successful dribbles percentage at 44% compared to Stoke's 18% suggests they were more effective in individual duels. The two yellow cards received by Stoke City players indicate a more physical approach, which might have contributed to their defensive solidity.

The key moment of the match came in the 36th minute when Stoke City scored the only goal of the game. This early strike set the tone for the rest of the match, putting Wrexham on the back foot and forcing them to chase the game. The goal was crucial in determining the outcome, as Wrexham failed to find an equaliser despite their efforts. The timing of the goal allowed Stoke to control the tempo and manage the game effectively, ultimately securing the three points.

There were no other significant key moments recorded, such as assists, cards, or substitutions that directly impacted the game's outcome. The lack of additional key moments underscores the importance of the early goal, as it was the decisive factor in the match. Stoke's ability to capitalise on their opportunity and then defend their lead effectively was the difference between the two teams.

Stoke City lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Viktor Johansson in goal and a back four of Junior Tchamadeu, Ashley Phillips, Ben Wilmot, and Aaron Cresswell. The midfield was anchored by Tomas Rigo and Tatsuki Seko, with Million Manhoef, Lewis Baker, and Sorba Thomas supporting striker Divin Mubama. There were no surprises in the lineup, and the formation allowed Stoke to maintain a solid defensive structure while providing enough attacking threat to secure the win.

The impact of the substitutions was not detailed, but the team's performance suggests that the starting lineup was effective. Sorba Thomas stood out, scoring the crucial goal that decided the match. His contribution was vital in breaking Stoke's run of draws and securing the victory.

Wrexham opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Arthur Okonkwo in goal and a back three of Max Cleworth, Dominic Hyam, and Callum Doyle. The wing-backs were Issa Kaboré and Ryan Longman, with George Dobson and Ben Sheaf in central midfield. Josh Windass and Lewis O'Brien played just behind the lone striker, Kieffer Moore. The lineup was expected, and the formation aimed to provide both defensive stability and attacking options.

Despite their efforts, Wrexham struggled to break down Stoke's defence. The impact of the five substitutions made by Wrexham was not detailed, but it suggests an attempt to change the game's dynamics. However, the visitors were unable to find the necessary breakthrough, and their performance highlighted areas for improvement.

Sorba Thomas is Coral's Man of the Match for his decisive contribution to Stoke City's victory. Scoring the only goal of the game in the 36th minute, Thomas demonstrated his importance to the team's attacking efforts. His goal was the difference between the two sides, and his key pass further showcased his ability to influence the game. Thomas's performance was crucial in securing the three points for Stoke.

Recent Championship matches:

• Win: 1-0 vs Wrexham (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Blackburn Rovers (A)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Middlesbrough (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Norwich City (H)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Queens Park Rangers (A)

Recent Championship matches:

• Loss: 0-1 vs Stoke City (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Birmingham City (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Leicester City (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Derby County (H)

Sitting in third place with 18 points, Stoke City will face Millwall, who are in fifth with 17 points, on October 21, 2025 at 19:45. This recent victory will boost their confidence as they prepare for a challenging match against a closely ranked opponent. Stoke will look to maintain their momentum and solidify their position in the top tier of the Championship.

With a new league position of 18th and 10 points, Wrexham will take on Oxford United, who are just below them in 19th with 9 points, on October 22, 2025 at 19:45. This loss will serve as a reminder of the work needed to climb the table. Wrexham will need to regroup and find a way to turn their performances into positive results in their upcoming fixture.

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